Murphy – In September 2022, a fundraiser organized by Chris “Sig” Poston with the Nam Knights Motorcycle Club and held at Buck Bald Brewing downtown raised money for the purchase of ballistic vests for both law enforcement officers as well as their K-9 partners.
The money that was donated last year by generous locals and visitors alike is still working today toward the goal. On Thursday, another K-9 officer benefited from money raised that day.
K-9 handler and Deputy Dakota Howard and his K-9 partner “Ellie” thankfully accepted a vest that was fitted just for her. Sig presented the ballistic vest to Howard and his dog at Buck Bald Brewing.
Detective C. Stiles, also with the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office, was in attendance to help distract Ellie, as excitement over the vest kept her quite active.
Each vest takes time to make, as they are fitted specifically for the K-9. Ellie’s vest cost about $1,000.
Each ballistics vest is expensive and some departments may not have the funds to purchase the number of vests they may need. The fundraiser was a big help in supplementing that.
K-9s are beneficial in assisting officers with fighting crime. Sig, a former law enforcement officer and K-9 handler himself, wanted to do something to help, and the fundraiser was born.
Another fundraiser is planned later this year in September at Buck Bald Brewing to pair retired military K-9s with veterans.